Church Farm, Low Road, Shropham. Programme of Archaeological Monitoring

The brief issued by Norfolk County Council Environment Service (NCC ES) required the monitoring of works under archaeological supervision and control of all groundworks associated with planning application 3PL/2024/0095/HOU ahead of the construction of a replacement of conservatory with a new garden room structure, and new detached garage and storage building at Church Farm, Low Road, Shropham (Fig.3). The excavation of any intrusive ground works were undertaken by a mechanical excavator/by hand guided by the archaeologist and then further investigated by hand as necessary. Any other below ground site work will need to respect the archaeological interest and will also require archaeological monitoring. The archaeology was recorded using pro-forma record sheets, drawn plans and section drawings and appropriate photographs were taken. The Programme of Archaeological Monitoring was undertaken ahead of the head of the groundworks associated with the erection of a steel fabrication workshop at 99 Yarmouth Road, Ellingham, Norfolk. The proposed development was to be undertaken in an area of high potential for features and finds relating to the medieval periods, particularly remains associated with the Late Saxon - medieval deserted village. The potential for features and finds from the post-medieval period was moderate. The potential for features and finds from all other periods was low. The land on which the assessment site sits is apportionment 31 on the 1836 Tithe Map (Fig. 7). Owned by Henry D'Esterre Hemsworth Esquire, the land was occupied by "Robert Amyss and Others". It is worth noting that the land has no name and land description, or any reference as to its state of cultivation. It is likely that this plot was never in use as anything other than gardens since the construction of Church Farm. Even though the site is situated in the remains of a deserted medieval village, due to the small nature of the works, it is possible that any surviving archaeology may have been missed. The southeastern corner of the new detached garage had undergone significant alteration with multiple services present and consequently was heavily disturbed. Despite the above potential, no archaeological features were encountered. Overall, the works was successful in characterising the site and no archaeology was encountered.